Pat Casey

Sent: 5/14/10
Received: 5/29/10
Time: 15 Days
Address: c/o Oregon State University Athletics
Item Sent: 1987 ProCards Portland Beavers
Item Received: 1987 ProCards Portland Beavers, signed in black ballpoint.

Notes:
Former Twins farmhand Pat Casey is now best known as the longtime head baseball coach for the Oregon State Beavers, who he led to back-to-back College World Series championships in 2006 and 2007.

Brian Bonin

Sent: 5/24/10
Received: 5/28/10
Time: 4 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue
Item Received: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue, 1996 Collector's Edge Future Legends.  Both signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
As far as I'm concerned obtaining Brian Bonin's signature was the key to the 1995 Gopher hockey team set that I am working on.  Sure, coach Doug Woog is arguably still the most recognizable name in the set to Minnesota hockey fans.  Yes, Wyatt Smith and Erik Rasmussen had more noteworthy professional careers.  But Bonin won the Hobey Baker Award.  Collegiate hockey's equivalent of the Heisman and Naismith awards has been won by three Gophers, and one was Bonin.  Not only did he return my request in a mere four days, but he included his own second card (kind of hard to see in the scan due to the "chrome" nature of the card).  Thanks, Brian!

Steve Comer

Sent: 5/25/10
Received: 5/28/10
Time: 3 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1981 Topps, 1983 Topps
Item Received: 1981 Topps, 1983 Topps.  Both signed in thin black Sharpie.

Notes:
If at first you don't succeed...  I initially sent a request to Mr. Comer via the common address provided on the SportsCollectors.net website.  It came back marked "return to sender - unable to forward" in four days.  After a very brief Google search, I found a new address.  Three days later, I have signatures!

Nick Checco

Sent: 5/22/10
Received: 5/28/10
Time: 6 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue
Item Received: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Like Charlie Wasley and Dan Trebil, I contacted Nick Checco on Facebook before sending his card to get permission.  He's a very cool guy, and I am proud to add his signature to my collection.  Thanks, Nick!

Dave Tippett

Sent: 4/13/10
Received: 5/28/10
Time: 45 Days
Address: c/o Phoenix Coyotes
Item Sent: 1991-92 Upper Deck
Item Received: 1991-92 Upper Deck, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
For my money, the best story in the NHL this season was the Phoenix Coyotes.  Mired in bankruptcy and ownership drama, the great Wayne Gretzky resigned as coach, quitting on his team just a few weeks before the season.  Enter Dave Tippett.  The former Dallas Stars coach's conservative, defensive game is far from the most watchable product in the league, but good lord, it got results! 

Dan Trebil

Sent: 5/25/10
Received: 5/27/10
Time: 2 Days
Address: Work
Item Sent: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue
Item Received: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
New record!  The former Gopher hockey captain's return came in just two days!  I contacted Dan Trebil via his facebook page, asking if it was OK to send a card.  He responded by sending his work address and the rest is history.  Thanks, Dan!

Dave Goltz

Sent: 5/22/10
Received: 5/26/10
Time: 4 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1975 Topps, 1976 Topps, 1977 Topps
Item Received: 1975 Topps, 1976 Topps, 1977 Topps.  All signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
I feel a little greedy sending more than three cards, but the former Twins ace has a reputation as a very generous signer so I thought I would take advantage.  He came through quickly, signing four cards in just four days.

Jim LeClair

Sent: 5/20/10
Received: 5/26/10
Time: 6 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1981 Topps
Item Received: 1981 Topps, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
It only took six days for the St. Paul native and longtime Bengals linebacker to beautifully sign and return this card.  Thanks, Mr. LeClair!

Brian Duensing

Sent: 5/20/10
Received: 5/25/10
Time: 5 Days
Address: c/o Minnesota Twins
Item Sent: 2009 Topps Allen & Ginter, 2009 Topps T-206
Item Received: 2009 Topps Allen & Ginter, 2009 Topps T-206.  Both signed and personalized in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Brian Duensing has become one of my favorite Twins over the last year.  After coming up so clutch as a starting pitcher down the stretch run last season, he has made a seamless transition to dependable setup-man this year.  More impressive than his versatility on the mound: his incredibly quick response time through the mail!

Jerry Ujdur

Sent: 5/13/10
Received: 5/25/10
Time: 12 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1983 Fleer
Item Received: 1983 Fleer, signed in black ballpoint.

Notes:
Duluth, Minnesota native Jerry Ujdur starred for the University of Minnesota before spending parts of four seasons with the Detroit Tigers.  In his only extended big league opportunity in 1982, he turned in a fine 10 win, 3.86 ERA season for the Tigers over 178 innings.

Kent Tekulve

Sent: 5/10/10
Received: 5/24/10
Time: 14 Days
Address: c/o Pittsburgh Pirates
Item Sent: 1982 Donruss, 1983 Topps, 1984 Fleer
Item Received: 1982 Donruss, 1983 Topps, 1984 Fleer.  All signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
This has to be my favorite in a great day of seven successful returns.  I loved Kent Tekulve.  I still do.  He had it all.  The flat-top Pirates cap.  The "dickhead" sunglasses.  The funky sidearm delivery.  His nickname was "Bones" because with his 6'4" 175-pound frame whipping around, that's all the batter would see.  One of my favorite t-shirts is this kickass Tekulve shirt by Watch Your Back NYC.  These are some truly cherished autographs.  Thanks, Mr. Tekulve!

Bill McCool

Sent: 5/11/10
Received: 5/24/10
Time: 13 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1965 Topps
Item Received: 1965 Topps, signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Once upon a time, during my youth, I stumbled across a box of newly arrived 1965 Topps singles in a card shop.  All were in pretty superb shape for their age.  I bought the few Twins in the box and, while I wanted to buy them all, insufficient funds were limiting me.  I splurged on a nice card of Cubs legend Billy Williams, and with the last of my cash picked up this card of Reds pitcher Bill McCool.  I knew nothing about him, but the card displayed the iconic "Topps All-Star Rookie" trophy.  Oh... and the guy's name was BILL McCOOL!  He had a look in his eye to match the name, and that was more than enough for me.  It had been sitting in a box in my collection ever since, until two weeks ago when I wrote to Mr. McCool asking for his signature.  He came through big time: beautiful signature and inscriptions of "Best Wishes" and "#42."  McCool, indeed!

Rod Langway

Sent: 4/14/10
Received: 5/24/10
Time: 40 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1990-91 Upper Deck Team Checklist, 1991-92 Upper Deck
Item Received: 1990-91 Upper Deck Team Checklist, 1991-92 Upper Deck.  Both signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Hard-nosed and helmetless, legendary Capitals captain Rod Langway is the latest hockey Hall of Famer to graciously sign for free through the mail.  This is a very cool addition.  Thanks, Mr. Langway!

Kurt Kepshire

Sent: 4/19/10
Received: 5/24/10
Time: 35 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1985 Donruss, 1985 Topps, 1989 ProCards Portland Beavers
Item Received: 1985 Donruss, 1985 Topps, 1989 ProCards Portland Beavers.  All signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Kepshire is the eighth addition to my signed 1989 Portland set.  I didn't mean to get greedy by sending three cards to him, but the only other cards I had in my collection were the two 1985 Cardinals cards, so I thought "Why not send 'em all?"  Plus, my wife grew up as a Cardinals fan in St. Louis, so it's pretty cool adding Cardinals signatures to the ol' collection, too.

Ray Soff

Sent: 5/6/10
Received: 5/24/10
Time: 18 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1989 ProCards Portland Beavers
Item Received: 1989 ProCards Portland Beavers, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Soff had a couple cups of MLB coffee with the Cardinals in the mid-'80s, but never made it up as a Twin.  His is the seventh signed card I have received in the 1989 Portland Beavers team set.  Thanks, Ray!

Steve Muh

Sent: 5/17/10
Received: 5/24/10
Time: 7 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1989 Best Kenosha Twins, 1990 ProCards Orlando SunRays
Item Received: 1989 Best Kenosha Twins, 1990 ProCards Orlando SunRays.  Both signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
6'6" lefty Steve Muh spent four seasons in the Twins organization, never advancing past AA Orlando.  The Sharpie he used to sign these was unfortunately running dry, but he is still a welcome addition to my expanding collection of signed Twins minor league cards.

Bill Latham

Sent: 5/13/10
Received: 5/24/10
Time: 11 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1986 Twins Team Issue, 1987 ProCards Portland Beavers
Item Received: 1986 Twins Team Issue, 1987 ProCards Portland Beavers.  Both signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Left-hander Bill Latham appeared in 14 major league ballgames: seven with the New York Mets in 1985 (the year before they won the World Series) and seven with the Minnesota Twins in 1985 (the year before they won the World Series).  It's his brief time as a Twin that makes him a desired addition to my collection, and he came through quickly!

Tom Klawitter

Sent: 5/13/10
Received: 5/22/10
Time: 9 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1985 Twins Team Issue
Item Received: 1985 Twins Team Issue, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
After a .500 finish in 1984, there were some lofty expectations for the 1985 Twins.  Their pitching staff broke camp with several hyped rookies, including Curt Wardle (who was later one of the centerpieces of the Bert Blyleven deal with the Indians), Richard "Not Ready" Yett, and Tommy "The Klaw" Klawitter.  Klawitter wasn't quite as much of a prospect as the other two, but he did have the coolest name of the bunch, so my seven year old self was pretty excited about him coming out of spring training.  He didn't last long, and never had a major issue card.  Still, it's pretty cool to have an autographed card from him 25 years after the fact.  (God, I feel old!)

Mike Pomeranz

Sent: 5/17/10
Received: 5/20/10
Time: 3 Days
Address: c/o KARE 11
Item Sent: 1989 Star Kenosha Twins
Item Received: 1989 Star Kenosha Twins, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Like George Tsamis, Pomeranz was a left-handed pitcher in the Twins system who would find himself back in Minnesota over a decade after his playing career ended.  Unlike Tsamis, Pomeranz's return had nothing to do with baseball.  Since 2006, he has been the lead male news anchor for KARE 11 (the Twin Cities' NBC affiliate).  As a big fan of Paul Magers, the Clooney-esque "Anchor King" who held the channel 11 seat for so long before bolting to L.A., I was quick to dismiss his eventual replacement (Pomeranz) as a Ken-doll tool, straight off the anchor assembly line.  Over the last four years, I have come around on him.  Perhaps he seems more comfortable now that he's put down roots here, but I find him much more sincere and affable now.  And not just because he signed my card!

George Tsamis

Sent: 5/10/10
Received: 5/20/10
Time: 10 Days
Address: c/o St. Paul Saints
Item Sent: 1990 ProCards A & AA Visalia Oaks (x2), 1993 Fleer Final Edition
Item Received: 1990 ProCards A & AA Visalia Oaks (x2), 1993 Fleer Final Edition.  All signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
George Tsamis appeared in 41 games for the Twins in 1993 - his only year in the big leagues.  He resurfaced in Minnesota 10 years later and has been here ever since as the manager of the independent league St. Paul Saints.  I sent him three cards, including duplicates of his 1990 ProCards minor league card.  I offered the duplicate for him to keep, but he signed and returned that along with the other two cards.

Matt Blair

Sent: 5/11/10
Received: 5/19/10
Time: 8 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1981 Topps, 1982 Topps, 1983 Topps, 1983 Vikings Police
Item Received: 1981 Topps, 1982 Topps, 1983 Topps, 1983 Vikings Police.  All signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
One of my all-time favorite Vikings, Matt Blair was a huge, kick-blocking machine.  The six-time Pro Bowl linebacker signed a generous four cards for me (more than I'm usually comfortable sending) and included a business card for his photography (www.mattblair.com).  Very cool return from a Viking legend!

John Verhoeven

Sent: 5/10/10
Received: 5/19/10
Time: 9 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1981 Topps, 1982 Fleer
Item Received: 1981 Topps, 1982 Fleer.  Both signed in blue Sharpie.  1982 Fleer is personalized.

Notes:
Probably a very random Twins return for most, this is actually a very cool and nostalgic return for me.  In my letter to Mr. Verhoeven, I told him of how the very first Twins baseball card I ever owned was his 1982 Fleer card.  I remember buying two packs of 1982 Fleer cards at the Red Owl grocery store in St. Louis Park.  Out of the two packs, Verhoeven was the only Twin I pulled.  My original card was mutilated years ago, but it's very cool to get one signed.

Jim Watt

Sent: 5/10/10
Received: 5/19/10
Time: 9 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1990 Michigan State Collegiate Collection
Item Received: 1990 Michigan State Collegiate Collection, signed and personalized in black ballpoint.

Notes:
Here's a very obscure addition to my Minnesota-born hockey collection.  Duluth native Jim Watt was an All-American for Michigan State and played for Team USA.  He played one NHL game, for the St. Louis Blues during the 1973-74 season.  His signed this card on both the front and back, personalizing a message to me on the back.  Thanks for the great return, Mr. Watt!

Mike Peluso

Sent: 5/10/10
Received: 5/19/10
Time: 9 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1991-92 Upper Deck
Item Received: 1991-92 Upper Deck, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
I can't say I was a huge fan of Mike Peluso when he played.  As an enforcer for the hated Blackhawks, he was always taking shots at my favorite North Stars.  I can forgive, though.  Especially now that he has generously added to my "Minnesota-born" collection!

Andy Brink

Sent: 5/10/10
Received: 5/19/10
Time: 9 Days
Address: c/o Breakaway Hockey
Item Sent: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue
Item Received: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue, signed in black ballpoint.

Notes:
Another return for my 1995-96 Gophers hockey team set, I sent this to Andy Brink care of his Breakaway Hockey camp, which he runs with former Gophers and Buffalo Sabres forward Dave Snuggerud.

Dick Woodson

Sent: 4/26/10
Received: 5/18/10
Time: 22 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1972 Topps, 1973 Topps
Item Received: 1972 Topps, 1973 Topps.  Both signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Another great return from a '70s Twin!  Thanks, Mr. Woodson!

Sal Butera

Sent: 5/10/10
Received: 5/17/10
Time: 7 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1981 Donruss, 1983 Topps, 1988 Score, 1988 Topps
Item Received: 1981 Donruss, 1983 Topps, 1988 Score, 1988 Topps.  All signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Sal Butera's son Drew is in his rookie season as Joe Mauer's backup for the Twins.  Like Drew, Sal was a weak-hitting, defensively strong catcher.  He bounced around between several organizations between his two Twins tenures before being reacquired mid-season in 1987 - just in time to back up Tim Laudner for the 1987 World Series champions. 

Victor Rodriguez

Sent: 5/6/10
Received: 5/15/10
Time: 9 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1989 ProCards Portland Beavers
Item Received: 1989 ProCards Portland Beavers, signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
It's perplexing when certain players don't get more of a shot.  Vic Rodriguez had only two stints in the Majors: 11 games with the Orioles in 1984 and six with the Twins in 1989.  Over 28 plate appearances, Rodriguez holds a career .429 batting average and 1.036 OPS in the big leagues. 

Orlando Mercado

Sent: 4/14/10
Received: 5/15/10
Time: 31 Days
Address: c/o Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Item Sent: 1989 ProCards Portland Beavers
Item Received: 1989 ProCards Portland Beavers, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Another addition to my 1989 Portland set.  Mercado hit .105 in 19 games for the Twins in 1989.  He has been a coach in the Angels system for over 15 years, including the last several as their bullpen coach.

Charlie Wasley

Sent: 5/11/10
Received: 5/14/10
Time: 3 Days
Address: Work
Item Sent: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue
Item Received: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue, signed in thin black Sharpie.

Notes:
In researching the whereabouts of the 1995-96 Gopher hockey players, I found a few of them on Facebook.  I sent them messages asking for permission to send a card to get signed.  The only one who has responded to those so far has been Charlie Wasley, who passed along his work address and, as promised, immediately signed the card I sent.  Thanks, Charlie!

Jesse Bertogliat

Sent: 5/11/10
Received: 5/14/10
Time: 3 Days
Address: Work
Item Sent: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue
Item Received: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
I have no idea how or when I ended up with this 1995-96 Gopher hockey team set, but I thought it would be a fun challenge to try tracking down and getting signatures from all the players on the team.  We're off to a nice start with a return from former Gopher forward Jesse Bertogliat.  Great looking signature, too!

Keith Nord

Sent: 5/10/10
Received: 5/14/10
Time: 4 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1984 Vikings Police
Item Received: 1984 Vikings Police, signed and personalized in black Sharpie, and letter.

Notes:
A homegrown Viking, Keith Nord made the Purple as an undrafted free agent and spent several seasons as a defensive back and special teams ace.  In addition to signing and personalizing my card, he wrote a great thank you letter.  Awesome return!

Don Baylor

Sent: 4/30/10
Received: 5/14/10
Time: 14 Days
Address: c/o Colorado Rockies
Item Sent: 1988 Fleer, 1988 Topps
Item Received: 1988 Fleer, 1988 Topps.  Both signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
I previously owned a signed 1987 Donruss card from Baylor, representing the year that he played for the Twins first World Series winning team, but I didn't have any signed cards of him wearing a Twins uniform.  Until now.  Thanks, Mr. Baylor!

Al Rosen

Sent: 5/8/10
Received: 5/14/10
Time: 6 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1986 TCMA All-Time Indians
Item Received: 1986 TCMA All-Time Indians, signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
I don't want to miss out on any baseball old-timers who still sign through the mail, so writing to the 1953 AL MVP was a no-brainer.  Thank you for the quick return, Mr. Rosen!

Ron Hextall

Sent: 4/1210
Received: 5/14/10
Time: 32 Days
Address: c/o Los Angeles Kings
Item Sent: 1991-92 Pro Set French, 1991-92 Stadium Club
Item Received: 1991-92 Pro Set French, 1991-92 Stadium Club.  Both signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
When I was a kid, Hextall was everyone's favorite goalie.  Patrick Roy was a sissy.  Hextall wouldn't back down from anyone.  He was as much of an agitator as any goalie who has ever suited up.  He would drop the gloves and he once even scored a goal.  In these parts, he is also well known as the son of former North Star Dennis Hextall.  I can't tell if the Pro Set card is inscribed "Best of Luck," "Best Wishes," or something else.

Kevin Mack

Sent: 5/8/10
Received: 5/14/10
Time: 6 Days
Address: c/o Cleveland Browns
Item Sent: 1986 Topps, 1989 Score, 1991 Pinnacle Idols
Item Received: 1986 Topps, 1989 Score, 1991 Pinnacle Idols.  All signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
I really dug watching Kevin Mack and Earnest Byner double-team NFL defenses during their shared time in the Cleveland Browns backfield.  I'm pretty excited about this return.  Not only did I pick up Mack's signature on his rookie card and in the tough 1989 Score set, but in signing the Pinnacle "Idols" card, I now have a nice opportunity to send it to Byner, too.  If successful there, it would be my first multi-signed card since the 1988 Fleer Kirby Puckett & Matt Nokes card I got as a kid.

Steve Tolleson

Sent: 4/15/10
Received: 5/14/10
Time: 29 Days
Address: c/o Sacramento River Cats
Item Sent: 2008 Bowman Prospects Gold
Item Received: 2008 Bowman Prospects Gold, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
The son of former Yankees and Rangers infielder Wayne Tolleson, Steve spent a few years in the Twins minor league system.  With the glut of light hitting middle infielders already on their 40-man roster (Nick Punto, Brendan Harris, Alexi Casilla, Matt Tolbert, Trevor Plouffe), the Twins tried sneaking him through waivers this spring.  The Oakland A's grabbed him and he is now playing for their AAA affiliate in Sacramento.  It appears he initially tried signing this card in ballpoint.  When that didn't take on the glossy card, he presumably whipped out the Sharpie. 

Terry Jorgensen

Sent: 4/20/10
Received: 5/14/10
Time: 24 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1989 Topps Major League Debut, 1993 Donruss
Item Received: 1989 Topps Major League Debut, 1993 Donruss.  Both signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Wisconsin native Terry Jorgensen has a string of impressive minor league seasons in the Twins organization, but was never able to do much in limited opportunities with the big club

Rick Anderson

Sent: 4/19/10
Received: 5/13/10
Time: 24 Days
Address: c/o Minnesota Twins
Item Sent: 1987 Topps, 1989 Score
Item Received: 1987 Topps, 1989 Score.  Both signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
The longtime Twins pitching coach is my first return from Target Field!  Anderson is now in his ninth season with the Twins.  Is there a better pitching coach in the game, this side of Dave Duncan?

Bobby Shantz

Sent: 5/4/10
Received: 5/13/10
Time: 9 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1988 Pacific Legends
Item Received: 1988 Pacific legends, signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
I don't mean to sound morbid, but I am starting to develop a bit of a "get 'em while you can" attitude for elderly players.  I saw some successes for former Twins lefty Jim Roland, so sent to him unaware of the fact that he had passed away a few weeks earlier.  I debated sending to the great Ernie Harwell last month, but saw some reports that his poor health was deteriorating even further, and decided to not bother him (he passed away last week).  I have seen no such reports on the 84 year old Bobby Shantz.  The 1952 AL MVP and eight-time Gold Glove winner is still a fast and generous signer, and I am proud to be able to add him to my collection.

Park Pittman

Sent: 5/1/10
Received: 5/13/10
Time: 12 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1989 Best Orlando Twins, 1990 CMC Portland Beavers, 1990 Fleer Update
Item Received: 1989 Best Orlando Twins, 1990 CMC Portland Beavers, 1990 Fleer Update.  All signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Former Twins prospect Park Pittman oddly received a Major League card in the 1990 Fleer Update set despite never appearing in the big leagues, which I always found a bit amusing.  Looking at these cards, it appears he signed the 1989 Orlando card in a dry black Sharpie before tracing over it with a blue one.  The other two, with the nice blue signature, look sharper.  Thanks, Park!

Rick Danmeier

Sent: 5/8/10
Received: 5/12/10
Time: 4 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1980 Topps, 1982 Topps
Item Received: 1980 Topps, 1982 Topps.  Both personalized and signed in thin black Sharpie.

Notes:
Rick Danmeier was one of the last "straight-ahead" style kickers in the NFL.  A St. Paul native, he spent five seasons kicking for the Vikings.  He personalized and rapidly returned both cards I sent.  Thanks, Rick!

Mike Hart

Sent: 5/4/10
Received: 5/12/10
Time: 8 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1987 TCMA Rochester Red Wings, 1988 Topps
Item Received: 1987 TCMA Rochester Red Wings, 1988 Topps.  Both signed in black Sharpie. 

Notes:
Mike Hart played 13 games for the Twins in 1984, making him one of the more obscure Twins autographs I have received so far.  He never had a card as a member of the Twins, but I suppose it's kind of cool that one of the cards I sent was a Rochester Red Wings card -- the longtime AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and presently the same for the Twins.

Virgil Trucks

Sent: 5/4/10
Received: 5/11/10
Time: 7 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1989 Pacific Legends
Item Received: 1989 Pacific Legends, plus his own custom card.  Both signed in blue Sharpie.  Added thank you note and an offer to buy his book.

Notes:
A true gentleman of the game, Virgil "Fire" Trucks is probably best known for tossing two hitters in one season in 1952, including one against the mighty Yankees.  He not only signed the card I sent, but included his own custom signed card and sent a very generous note along with another piece of paper that had info for purchasing his book on one side and his career stats on the other.

Ron Goetz

Sent: 5/8/10
Received: 5/11/10
Time: 3 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1991 Pro Set World League, 1992 Wild Card World League (x2)
Item Received: 1991 Pro Set World League, 1992 Wild Card World League.  Both signed in black Sharpie.  Added thank you note.

Notes:
Ron Goetz was one of my all-time favorite college players as a hard-hitting linebacker for the Golden Gophers.  He was a classic overachiever who parlayed his decorated college career into a 12th round draft selection for his hometown Minnesota Vikings.  He never did play in the NFL, but spent a couple of seasons in the infant World League of American Football and a few more in the CFL.  He signed two cards in black Sharpie, kept the duplicate 1992 Wild Card that I offered him, and included a great thank you note.

Dave Vetsch

Sent: 5/6/10
Received: 5/10/10
Time: 4 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1986 ProCards Orlando Twins
Item Received: 1986 ProCards Orlando Twins, signed in black ballpoint.

Notes:
As I mentioned a couple of days ago, one of the most satisfying aspects of TTM collecting for me is successfully tracking down guys who never sniffed the big leagues.  While current addresses for most major leaguers are reasonably easy to find on the internet, the minor league guys require far more research.  Sometimes Google or a 411.com search can give good leads, but if a guy has a fairly common name, it can be near impossible to find the right person.  After exhausting all other options, sometimes your best chance is to make an educated guess and hope that if you send it to the wrong person, that person will at least send the card back with a note clarifying that you have the wrong address.

And sometimes you get lucky on your first try.  I'm going to assume (since it came back signed) that I guessed the correct Dave Vetsch.  He is a St. Cloud, Minnesota native who spent five seasons in the Twins minor league system in the '80s, never making it past AA.  But, as both a Minnesota native and a former Twins minor leaguer, he's an awesome addition to my collection.  Thanks, Dave!